University of Wisconsin President Ray Cross on Tuesday asked the Legislature's budget-writing committee to approve a new public authority for the UW System, a "dedicated and stable funding stream" and to reduce the governor's proposed $300 million budget cut over the next two years.

Shortly after he finished his testimony, a handful of protesters burst into the room shouting, "No cuts, no deals." Followed by four Capitol police officers, the protesters marched past the table where Cross was sitting to give testimony before the Joint Committee on Finance.

If Park Bank is liable for not spotting Sujata "Sue" Sachdeva's $34 million embezzlement from Koss Corp. and has to reimburse the company, Koss Chief Executive Michael Koss should also be ordered to personally pay the public company he runs, the bank argues in a new lawsuit.

Grant Thornton, Koss Corp.'s former auditor, should also have to pay a portion of any award that may be ordered, Park Bank argued in the latest twist in a long-running court fight stemming from Sachdeva's massive embezzlement.

"Park Bank denies any and all liability to Koss in this case," the bank said in its action. "Nevertheless, should Park Bank be found liable to Koss (Corp.) and required to pay damages to Koss, in this case, those damages will have been the result of a common liability of Park Bank, Michael Koss and Grant Thornton, thereby entitling Park Bank to (a) contribution from Michael Koss and Grant Thornton."(3)

Raiders coach coy about hiring defensive coordinator

Indianapolis - Oakland coach Hue Jackson declared himself the defensive coordinator of the Raiders, but admitted he might add to his defensive staff in the near future.

Jackson, who is an offensive coach, isn't going to be the defensive coordinator. More than likely, he's being held back by owner Al Davis from hiring a defensive coordinator since that would mean paying him right away and possibly through a lockout.

Or he may just be waiting for contracts to expire March 3 so he doesn't have to ask for permission to interview coaches he might be interested in.

"You never know," Jackson said of hiring a defensive coordinator. "I know there's still talented individuals out there. But that's not important to the Raiders yet."

It's significant for the Packers that the job is open because assistant head coach / inside linebackers Winston Moss and safeties coach Darren Perry could both be candidates.

Moss played four seasons with the Raiders and has reportedly drawn interest from them previously. Perry was the Raiders' defensive backs coach from 2007-'08.

Both are interested in becoming defensive coordinators. At this point, the Packers have not extended their assistant coaches although they are believed to be in the process of doing so.

About Tom Silverstein

Tom Silverstein is in his 25th year covering the Green Bay Packers and 30th year with the Journal Sentinel. He is a two-time Wisconsin Sportswriter of the Year award winner.